ASRock unveiled its socket LGA1155 motherboard lineup in grand style, showing off eight models, including four value-thru-enthusiast grade motherboards based on the Intel P67 chipset, and four essential-thru-mainstream motherboards based on the Intel H67 chipset. The series is topped by the P67 Extreme6, which packs no less than six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, four external and two internal USB 3.0 ports, three PCI-Express x16 slots, 18-phase CPU VRM making use of high-grade capacitors, and a huge set of connectivity features. Next up is the P67 Extreme4, which is a notch lower than the Extreme6, but it still gives you four SATA 6 Gb/s and four USB 3.0 ports (two external, two internal via header), the same expansion slot layout as the Extreme6, and a slightly slimmer connectivity feature set.

The two Extreme boards are trailed by mid-range ones, starting with the P67 Pro3. The P67 Pro3 has a simple layout and offers not much more than the chipset's feature-set. There are two SATA 6 Gb/s and two USB 3.0 (rear) ports, expansion slots that include just one PCI-Express 2.0 x16, three PCI-E x1, and three PCI. The CPU is powered by an impressive (for this category) 10-phase VRM. Further down the line is the P67 Pro, which is further slimmed down. It does away with USB 3.0 but retains SATA 6 Gb/s. A simpler 4+1 phase CPU VRM is used. Most other features are the same as the Pro3.

The Intel H67 lineup, where any motherboard manufacturer is expected to sell bigger volumes, begins with the feature-rich H67M GE-HT. This board is made for premium HTPC builds, it offers all the connectivity and media-acceleration features needed. The CPU is driven by a 6-phase VRM, it is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots for dual-channel memory. The Intel Flexible Display Interface (FDI) is enabled full-on here, with four kinds of display connectors present on board: DVI, D-Sub, HDMI 1.4a, and DisplayPort. Connectivity features include four USB 3.0 (2x rear, 2x internal), 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, eSATA, gigabit Ethernet; expansion includes two PCI-E x1, one PCI-E 2.0 x16, and a PCI.

The H67M GE is a stripped down version of the H67M GE-HT. It uses the same PCB, but does away with VRM heatsinks, the internal USB 3.0 ports, and the DisplayPort connector. Next up is the H67M, which is at the bottom of the pile. This retains most of the features of the H67M GE, but uses a narrower PCB, and provides just two DDR3 DIMM slots for dual-channel memory. USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s are still there. Lastly there's the H67 DE3. This is an ATX board, that provides a feature set similar to the H67M GE, but with more expansion slots: one PCI-Express 2.0 x16, three PCI-E x1, and two PCI. Expect ASRock's boards to be out along with Intel's 2011 Core processor family.

23 Comments on ASRock Unveils its Socket LGA1155 Family of Motherboards

I'll never understand the point of covering heatsinks with metallic plates. The whole point of heatsinks is to exchange heat through large surface area. But what's the point if the whole large area is covered by a metal that prevents air to exchange properly?

by: RejZoRI'll never understand the point of covering heatsinks with metallic plates. The whole point of heatsinks is to exchange heat through large surface area. But what's the point if the whole large area is covered by a metal that prevents air to exchange properly?

I completely agree with you, the first thing I do is take those dumb things off then store them somewhere because they still help resale value :shadedshu

Removing those plates will have 0 effect if you don't have a CPU cooler which blows directly on the motherboard. Most people have tower coolers, which don't really provide any airflow to the mb, but if you have a decent case, with a couple of front fans blowing air in and a top fan which blows the hot air out, those plates which so many people despise, might help with the cooling a bit.

by: AndreiDRemoving those plates will have 0 effect if you don't have a CPU cooler which blows directly on the motherboard. Most people have tower coolers, which don't really provide any airflow to the mb, but if you have a decent case, with a couple of front fans blowing air in and a top fan which blows the hot air out, those plates which so many people despise, might help with the cooling a bit.

Have to disagree with you here since well... I've actually tried using these heatsinks both ways. Taking off those flashy covers allows for better heat dissipation. And that's been done with both downward blowing CPU heatsinks and the tower styles. Lastly, I have 3 110+ CFM fans in my case on rheostats so I can tune them (mostly set for full blast while folding 24/7) so I get quite a bit of airflow over almost every component in the case. Those covers are for looks and marketing.

So many boards being shown off for the new intel socket, they just make me want to see some cpu reviews so bad.

I have to agree on the metal plates on heat sinks, if the board i upgrade has them on i will have to remove them as for one i prefer the looks of the naked fins plus it means i can sit a fan on top of them to help cool them.

for someone that uses intel cpus i say they suck with the motherboard prices
for 1156 and 1366 and now already new socket, they making nice money from the
motherboard well intel sockets sucks i am thinking to change to amd cpu

I do have to question why the quick transition between sockets as well. It seems like a nice way to make some cash. Is there something that will hold new processors back, or is it just a way to sell more motherboards and cpus? It seems like Intel is currently changing sockets about every six to nine months. :laugh:

by: brandonwh64New socket! 1155 and 2011 us the new sockets intel is releasing

yeah, if you mention how many socket Intel has? from the old 478, 755, 1156, 1155 and many more
its like new processor could be new socket, so if you have the old one you better trash it coz it aint match anymore :(

by: micropage7yeah, if you mention how many socket Intel has? from the old 478, 755, 1156, 1155 and many more
its like new processor could be new socket, so if you have the old one you better trash it coz it aint match anymore :(

Good excuse for doing some suicide runs with crazy high voltage :laugh: